Historical fiction is among the top genres of literature that feature tales set in significant times in the past. The time frame of the story is considered an important aspect of the setting and the plot. As the literary realm progresses, historical fiction continues to get along with the competition gaining more traction and readers like other genres. Although time is the most defining thing of this particular book category, the way it uses and blends real and fictional factors also stands out.
If you want to start reading books of this genre or add more titles to your current reading list, then listed below are some of the must-reads in historical fiction.
So Much to Give: A Story of America’s Greatest Generation by Carlton Randolph Crane
So Much to Give by Carlton Randolph Crane is an inspiring story of a family that persevered and strived in the most difficult time in America. The Collies reside in Coalville, a small town located in Eastern Texas, during the severe economic depression in the 1930s. However, the Collies also faced other issues that have tested their families, such as racism, death, and personal setbacks. Moreover, each member persisted and has made sacrifices to be part of the greatest generation America has ever had.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This award-winning book by Markus Zusak was set in 1939 in Germany. A unique factor this work showcase is its peculiar narrator, which is death. Moreover, it follows the story of Leisel, the book thief. She was put into foster care after her brother’s death, where she was loved and sent to school by her foster parents. Leisel became literate. Later in the story, she starts to steal books from the library of the mayor’s wife, book-burning events by the Nazis, and other places. The tension heightens after her foster father hid a Jew in their basement. Thus, this is a bittersweet story that will make your hearts ache and warm all at once.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Min Jin Lee’s critically acclaimed book titled Pachinko was published in 2017 by Grand Central Publishing. It centers on the tale of the young fisherman’s daughter named Sunja around the early 1900s. She met and has fallen into a man she met at the seashore close to their house in Korea. They had a romantic affair, which led to her getting pregnant. Unfortunately, the wealthy stranger was married. Sunja opted to marry a frail minister moving through his way to Japan. This decision is about to form a thrilling family saga that will reflect future generations.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet is the bestselling historical epic book of the Kingsbridge series. The book highlights the pre-Kingsbridge account of Philip, who was a dedicated and creative monk motivated to make the best Gothic cathedral in the world. However, it is also the story of Tom, who became Philip’s architect, and of a challenge between good and evil that makes the church in opposition with the state and a brother at odds with another brother.
A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
In 1993, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers was published, which is part of the Mark of the Lion series. It brings the readers to the time when the first Jewish-Roman War took place at Jerusalem, which is almost a century after the death of Jesus. This historical Christian fiction focuses on Hadassah, a young Jewish girl suffering from slavery who will soon become the hope in those darkest times. Regardless of the tough situation she’s in, being a slave and falling in love with an aristocrat, she has never forgotten to keep her faith in God.
A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
This 2011 RITA Award by Romance Writers of America nominee was published in 2010 by Bethany House Publishers. A Tailor-Made Bride revolves around Jericho Tucker and Hannah Richards. The former opt not to get involved with Coventry, while the latter is astonished by a man that manages the livery. Their lives became intertwined after Hannah helped Jericho’s sister get a man that resulted in wild consequences for their town. Would they figure out how to close the gap between them?
Oliver’s Twist 